Experts Predict Near Normal Hurricane Season

Residents here now know what to expect for the 2023 hurricane season.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NOAA, predicts near-normal hurricane activity in the Atlantic this year.

NOAA’s outlook for the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season, which goes from June 1 to November 30, predicts a 40% chance of a near-normal season, a 30% chance of an above-normal season and a 30% chance of a below-normal season.

NOAA is forecasting a range of 12 to 17 total named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher).

Of those, 5 to 9 could become hurricanes, including 1 to 4 major hurricanes. NOAA has a 70% confidence in these ranges.

The upcoming Atlantic hurricane season is expected to be less active than recent years, due to competing factors — some that suppress storm development and some that fuel it — driving this year's overall forecast for a near-normal season. 

After three hurricane seasons with La Nina present, NOAA scientists predict a high potential for El Nino to develop this summer, which can suppress Atlantic hurricane activity.

El Nino’s potential influence on storm development could be offset by favorable conditions local to the tropical Atlantic Basin.